How to Qualify for Florida-Friendly Landscaping

Upon moving to Florida and being unfamiliar with the flower and gardening requirements for Florida, I read of a class being given by the University of Florida County Extension, called, Gardening for Dummies. It was a 6 week course given 1 night each week. I thoroughly enjoyed the program and learned a lot. But the best thing I learned was how to qualify to have your yard recognized as a Florida-friendly landscape, and be rewarded with a sign placed in your yard for either the Bronze Magnolia Plaque, the Silver Palmetto, or the Golden Oak; the latter being the highest.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   a Florida landscape

   They award inches instead of points for each requirement, but it pretty much means the same thing.
   The following applies for ALL landscapes in order to qualify. Then there are specifics for each of the three above categories.
   1. Landscape should not contain identified invasive plants, such as malaleuca or Brazilian pepper.
   2. Grass clippings, fertilizer and soil are swept off drives and walks.
   3. A 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch in over tree roots, shrubs and plant beds, but is pulled away from the base of plants and trees by 2 inches.
   4. If an irrigation system is used it is calibrate to apply 1/2 t 3/4 inch of water each application.
   5. A rain gauge is used to rack rainfall amounts.
   6. A functioning automation shut-off device is maintained on in-ground watering systems.
   7. If a lawn is present, they are mowed at the recommended height.
   8. If fertilizer is used, it used at the lowest recommended ranges.
   9. If pesticides are used, they are only used on affected plants.
   10. If near a waterfront, no fertilizer and no pesticides in at least 10 feet of the water.

2. 

   The other requirements that are gone over are in the categories of:
   1. Using the right plant in the right place.
   2. Watering efficiently.
   3. Fertilizing Appropriately
   4. Mulching
   5. Providing for Wildlife
   6. Managing Yard Pests Responsibly
   7. Recycling
   8. Reducing Storm water runoff
   9. Protecting the Waterfront.
   
   Within each category are several questions.
   Believe it or not, it is not that hard to qualify.

3. 
   She received the Golden Oak Sign

   In order to qualify for the Bronze Magnolia, you need at least 38 inches, 40 for a yard on the waterfront.
   To qualify for the Silver Palmetto, you need at least 50 inches, 54 for a yard on the waterfront.
   To qualify for the Golden Oak, you need at least 50 inches, 54 for a yard on the waterfront, in addition to several other more stringent requirements.

4. 
   Beautiful landscape

   If you live in Florida, and would like to see if your yard would qualify, I have listed the website in the resource section below. They will send you the application, and when you feel like you are ready you would call to set up an appointment to have them come out to qualify your yard.

Tips & Warnings

• Most of the requirements are things that most people are probably already doing anyway, or at least most of them. I Had Mexican petunia, which is considered an invasive plant, so I got rid of it.
• It doesn't bring any money, but it's nice to know that your yard is recognized and appreciated. Where I live the local newspaper also does an interview.
• I imagine there are similar programs in every state. Notify your County Extension office to find out.

[iSeeHowNow]

on 7/18/2009 I just saw this sign in a neighbor's yard recently...it's nice that more people are trying to be conscientious about environmental responsibilities. Nice articles...looks like it would be easy to qualify.

[leaper]

on 5/31/2009 I live in Florida and have never heard of this, I'll have to check it out!

[Sassy8722]

on 4/11/2009 Great article on How to Qualify for Florida-Friendly Landscaping! 5*

[sonni57]

on 4/3/2009 Well done article on how to qualify for Florida landscaping.